Search Results for: humour

A global warming hoax meme is born – in New Zealand too!

I have said it before – these militant climate change denial/contrarian/pseudosceptics do live in a different world – or at least a different hemisphere (see Australia’s “New Normal?” and Climate contrarians/deniers are cherry picking again). But here I want to illustrate their … Continue reading

I was wrong about Lord Monckton

I must admit I was wrong about Lord Monckton. I thought his speaking tour of New Zealand, which started on April Fools day, would be a huge yawn. Local climate scientists have learned that debating the man may be a … Continue reading

Something for all those lapsed catholics

I keep running into lapsed catholics. They seem to be everywhere – and usually they are nice people. There’s something about being lapsed which gives you a sense of humour. But I wonder how many have tried to formalise their … Continue reading

Don’t panic

Many years ago I was on a panel reviewing  a scientific paper for publication. We concluded that one of the calculations in the paper was really superfluous. But it amused us because the calculation produced the answer 42! Our recommendation … Continue reading

Entertaining – and the science is good

I am spending some time dealing with family business so am reposting some of my past book reviews over the next few day. I reviewed this book recently, but its worth repeating. It’s fictional, but it’s about an important issue … Continue reading

A day for cheap shots

What do you think of the Pope resigning? Yes, I know a lot jokes are circulating today and this might be considered a cheap shot. But my first reaction was one of surprise – does his employment contract require only … Continue reading

Sex, Death And The Meaning Of Life – Sin

Sex, Death and The Meaning of Life is a new series of TV documentaries fronted by Richard Dawkins. I welcome this – partly because Dawkins is an excellent communicator. But also because it’s about time some of the current ideas … Continue reading

Sneaking in the magic man

I have been debating Plantinga’s claims of guided evolution with a couple of religious apologists lately. His ideas really are just another attempt to sneak his god, his “magic man,” into evolutionary science. Even to assert guidance is inherent in … Continue reading

The most important place you didn’t know about

Book review: Ice, Mice and Men: The Issues Facing Our Far South by Geoff Simmons & Gareth Morgan Price: NZ$35; Epub/Mobi NZ$15. ISBN: 9780987666628 Barcode: 9780987666628 Published: 12 July 2012 by Public Interest Publishing Ltd Antarctica brings to mind nature … Continue reading

Finish the sentence . . .

I like this idea from Jerry Coyne (see OMG: Jesus was married!) Here’s the problem. This old scrap of papyrus refers to Jesus – Unfortunately bits are missing and the conversation is cut off at an intriguing point. Apparently it … Continue reading